Research

• Ensure that you have thoroughly researched the organisation you are meeting with.
• There really is no excuse for not understanding the organisation you are proposing to receive your salary from.
• Failure to research a company thoroughly demonstrates apathy to a future employer, and that your attention to detail is weak.
• Use all methods available, internet, company literature, accounts, JPS information, etc.
• Where possible, visit the client’s branches/site to get a first hand feel for their culture/sites/branding.
• Consider areas where your skills and experience match the values and strategy of the potential employer.
• Ensure you have re-read the job description immediately prior to interview, so that you can ensure your answers are focused on your key relevant skills and experience.
• Plan your journey
• Make a trial run before the day of the interview to check how long the journey will take and be prepared for the unexpected.
• If you have a disability, ensure JPS are aware so that they can ensure there are no barriers to you performing at interview.
• Do your up-most not to be late – but if you are, ensure you have the telephone number of your JPS consultant so that they may advise the client in plenty of time.
• Where possible arrive 10 minutes before you allocated interview time.

First Impressions

• You would be amazed how many senior candidates turn up for formal interviews/assessment events, without having given careful consideration to the way they are dressed.
• Dress to impress, in formal conservative, corporate wear. Dark suits, matching shoes etc and only take minimal “hand luggage” - one simple briefcase or a handbag and folder is ideal.
• Do not sit with a folder or briefcase or bag on your lap, this creates a barrier towards the interviewer, and a distraction.
• Personal courtesies/disciplines – so many times high quality candidates let themselves down because of basic courtesies, and personal disciplines.
• Remember to smile and make eye contact, with open positive body language.
• A firm confident handshake is imperative for a strong first impression, we all can remember the weak handshakes.
• Always accept a drink if offered, it can create a useful barrier during an uncomfortable question, and buy a few crucial seconds whilst you take a sip.

Questioning

• Be concise, positive and specific in your answers – do not waffle.
• The primary objective is to convince the interviewer you have the technical ability to do the job.
• Have prepared answers to give examples to emphasise what unique tangible skills and talents you can bring to the organisation.
• Although now is not the time for modesty, be careful you don’t go too far the other way, pretending you are a superhero will make you hard to relate to, so show some humility and talk about an area you’ve struggled at, and the way you overcame the problem.

A Two Way Thing

• Remember it is as important for the recruiting client to convince you about their suitability to manage your career as it is for you to convince them of the value you will bring to their organisation

Asking Questions

• Ask strategic business questions eg. "What is the plan for the business over the next 5 years?", "What talent management/succession planning opportunities do you have in place for your key achievers?".
• Do not begin package negotiations - let JPS manage this for you.

Close

• Shake the interviewers hand strongly, look them in the eye and thank them for their time.
• Explain you have enjoyed the experience of meeting them, and look forward to hearing their feedback via JPS.

After the Interview

• When you can, contact your JPS consultant to tell them how it went.